It's Not About The Bunny

No sooner do we see the valentines leave the store, than signs of Easter appear. Depending on where one shops, one can see two very different approaches to the Easter celebration.

In our area, the grocery stores are filled with chocolate rabbits, chocolate eggs, jelly, stuffed rabbits, and baskets to hold all these treats.

We are also blessed to have a Christian bookstore in our town. One day, I went from the rabbit-filled grocery store to the Christian store filled with the Lamb of God. Here my eyes fell upon stuffed lambs and Scripture verses that would fill my heart and stay with me -- unlike the baskets and rabbits at the grocery store that contain treats for only a short time before they are empty.

My heart grew sad when I thought of how many people there are wandering around with empty hearts, not knowing the love of Jesus. The following verse of Scripture gives us direction and something to hold onto:

Isaiah 42:16 - But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way, who can't see where they're going. I'll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country. I'll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don't fall into the ditch. These are the things I'll be doing for them -- sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute. (MSG)

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to walk in the light. As we enter this Easter season, we look again to the cross and reflect on the sacrifice that You made for us to have life. Help us to go out into the fields and bring in the harvest. Give us courage and boldness to witness to people we meet and those whom You bring into our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Julie Bowles <julieanni@rogers.com>
Barrie, Ontario, Canada